Do a search for roselvr and realtor questions - she had a huge list made up. May have to search google instead of gardenweb due to the poor search engine here. Just add gardenweb to the search term if you use google.

1. Where do they advertise besides MLS? Facebook? Craigslist?
Fine.
2. Do you do featured listings on Realtor.com, Zillow or others?
Fine
(I of course know that MLS listing automatic pull to Realtor, Zillow, Redfin et al)
3. What is your preferred contact method with your sellers? Phone, Email? VERY IMPORTANT.
4. Do local agents do Broker's Open Houses or Caravans? If so would we be included. Waste of time, IME.
5. Will you hold an Open House? Waste of time, IME.
6. Professional photographer or what type of camera? How many pictures would you post? The local MLS dictates the # of pics.
7. I have registered a domain for the house address and can set up a web page. Any problems? All inquiries need to be directed to the listing agent. How do you plan on marketing the domain? SEO will not get you any hits in such a short time.
8. I would like a QR Code on the sign and/or flyers. I use QR codes on my listings, and have found that most buyers do not use it. But, sellers think it is cool.
9. How will you come up with a price? IMPORTANT. The interview should cover this in great detail.
(I know what I did, be interesting to see what they say)
10. Is there anything you think MUST be done prior to listing? IMPORTANT. Most sellers spend more $$$ when they go to sell their car than they will do to their home.
11. House is old, and we assume the home inspector will pick it apart. What are you feelings about home inspection negotiations? Save yourself a lot of grief and get an inspection now, and then refer to # 11.
12. Should we have the house appraised prior to listing? Can that appraisal be used by the seller? If you do your homework and choose the right agent, there is no need for an appraisal. I do not know what you mean when you ask if the Seller can use the appraisal...
(Yeah, I know what the correct answer for this is)
13. Should we offer a Home Warranty? IME, I coach my sellers to never offer anything up front... not your washer, dryer, fridge, home warranty, seller paid closing costs,(of course there are exceptions, but rarely)

Anything else you think I should ask?
You are on a good start. After interviewing a couple of agents, ask yourself, this:
1. Does the agent seem trustworthy and would they always do the right thing?
2. Does it seem that you can communicate easily with him/her?
3. Do you think you genuinely like the person?

Assuming that all the marketing, pricing, and negotiating skills are about equal with all the interviewees, then the 3 questions listed above will direct you to the correct decision. Good luck.

I saved roselvr's list here's the title and date

Agent Interview Questions for sellers
Posted by roselvr (My Page) on Mon, Nov 12, 07 at 17:35

Thanks NC,

6. Professional photographer or what type of camera? How many pictures would you post? The local MLS dictates the # of pics.

Here they allow up to 30. I see some with only 2 or 3, and automatically assume there is SOMETHING wrong with the house they don’t want to show. I don’t like 30 either. That’s too many. I don’t need to see 5 pics of the back yard. I can see that on google earth.

7. I have registered a domain for the house address and can set up a web page. Any problems? All inquiries need to be directed to the listing agent. How do you plan on marketing the domain? SEO will not get you any hits in such a short time.

My facebook page etc. Depending on what the agent says, I will either set up a page, or direct it to go straight to theirs. If the agent likes the idea of a full website, I will ask if they are allowed to put it in the MLS notes. Also on flyers and a sign out front along with a QR Code.

8. I would like a QR Code on the sign and/or flyers. I use QR codes on my listings, and have found that most buyers do not use it. But, sellers think it is cool.

You are probably right, it would be rare that I would use it as a buyer. but I think it’s cool. I would include it on the sign our front with the webpage address (We do get a good bit of foot traffic).

9. How will you come up with a price? IMPORTANT. The interview should cover this in great detail.
(I know what I did, be interesting to see what they say)

Yes, especially if they have a price the day of the interview. I don’t see how anyone could do that never seeing the inside of the house before.

11. House is old, and we assume the home inspector will pick it apart. What are you feelings about home inspection negotiations? Save yourself a lot of grief and get an inspection now, and then refer to # 11.

My only concern would be what happens if we DON’T get everything fixed on the inspection. How do we disclose that to buyers? Also, would buyers use our inspection report?

12. Should we have the house appraised prior to listing? Can that appraisal be used by the seller? If you do your homework and choose the right agent, there is no need for an appraisal. I do not know what you mean when you ask if the Seller can use the appraisal...
(Yeah, I know what the correct answer for this is)

I mean I know that they can’t. If and agent tells me yes, or maybe, then I would doubt their expertise.

13. Should we offer a Home Warranty? IME, I coach my sellers to never offer anything up front... not your washer, dryer, fridge, home warranty, seller paid closing costs,(of course there are exceptions, but rarely)

Here it is customary for appliance to convey. I see many listing advertising a Home Warranty.

7. Agents are not allowed to put in the public remarks section any references or links to branded material...
9. I always do a two visit listing presentation. I never quote a sales price up front because even if the home is located in a cookie cutter neighborhood, and I pretty much know the value of the home, I have no idea of the motivation of the clients.
11. The buyers will find out about it anyway, so why be worried about disclosing it. At least if the problem is disclosed up front, the deal has a lot more chance going to close because the buyers are not surprised by the items. I would not even mention that the home had been inspected by you. This is for your information, so you can be PROACTIVE and be able to deal with the findings your way as opposed to giving all the leverage to the buyer when in mid transaction. If all sellers did this, a lot less deals would fall apart.
13. Why give away a Home Warranty before being asked for one? First, no buyer is going to base their decision to make an offer or not, based on if the seller is offering a warranty. I am not saying not to offer one during the negotiations, but always try to get something for it. Same with the washer, dryer and fridge. Make them ask for it, even if you do not want it. The listings you see that are offering a warranty... are they selling faster, for more money? I bet not.

When I hire someone, I start with a job description and then craft interview questions with the intent of gleaning whether or not they fit the job description. I did the same with realtors.

My requirements:
1. Must have a track record of good results.
2. Must understand numbers enough to come up with a rational price and analyze the market logically while our house is on the market to use that info to modify our strategy if needed.
3. Must be able to market the house well.
4. Must be able to exercise influence to make a deal happen.
5. Must be honest and instill confidence that they had my best interests at heart.

So here are some of my questions to ascertain the above:
1. Tell me how many houses you sold last year, average DOM, list:sales ratio, etc. In addition to looking at the stats, it was a check on their honesty (some claimed to be top 10 but were #21, or spun stats a certain way, or evaded or excused the question). And it also told me how numerate they were.
2. How much would you list our house for and why? What do you think it will sell for? It was amazing how many agents based it more on gut feel than analysis. And perhaps some people do have great gut feel, but I'm not going to work well with them, because they're not going to be able to answer my very numerically-based analytical questions as I watch the market.
3. How will your market our house? (They'll spout the usual laundry list that everyone does.) Which of those avenues do you think will be most likely to bring us a buyer? Most agents have no clue what actually works, so claim everything does. Good marketers will be more discerning, and will be able to explain what works. Open houses? Brokers opens? enhanced listings on realtor.com, etc. I also looked at their listings to see quality of photos and write-up, and on the agents we picked (who weren't great at that), I told them I wanted editorial control on both (we had pro photos we wanted to use), and they welcomed that. That showed they had thick skin and didn't have egos.
3b. What do you feel we can do to make the house more desirable to sell? This is part marketing, part honesty.
4. I had 3 situational questions (tell me about a time when...)
4a. ...you worked for a difficult seller. What were the issues and how did you handle them
4b. ...you worked for a difficult buyer. etc.
4c. ...the buyer and seller couldn't come to terms. etc.
This gave good insight into their ability to problem solve, exhibit tenacity, be creative, etc. And, for one agent that said "I can't think of a difficult seller I've had" we crossed them off the list for honesty.

There are other questions, like commission, split, length of contract, ability to cancel, etc. that you should ask of all of them.

The process worked for us. We interviewed 10 agents (yeah, call us crazy), and the lengthy questioning helped not only glean the one that was the best fit, but helped with being a known quantity, so we knew the stuff they might not be so good at and could compensate accordingly instead of get frustrated.

Hey there ncrealestateguy,

Ok, you peaked my curiosity about the Home Warranty and I like playing with numbers so I did some analysis. Ran sales for 2013 in our zipcode for2013 Sold w/advertised offered Warranty=14
Avg Year Built 1973
Avg Days on Market 60
Avg Percent of Sale Price/Assessed Value 94%
Avg Percent of Sale Price/Orig Price 95%

2013 Sold w/o Warranty=200
Avg Year Built 1959
Avg Days on Market 78
Avg Percent of Sale Price/Assessed Value 81%
Avg Percent of Sale Price/Orig Price 90%

I did notice that none of the 3 agents I picked were in the advertised offered list.

Clearly there are not many people offering a warranty up front,

Thanks Weedy,

Good tips.

I did also browse their recent listings to look at pictures, and write ups. Nothing irritates me more than a description that says nothing about the house, and 4 or 5 closeups of furniture.

I hope we don't need to interview 10 agents! i"ll lose my mind!

Nobody NEEDS to interview 10 agents. I went into the process feeling like I hadn't done a sufficient job of selection the other 2 times I sold a house, and wanted to be more thorough/exhaustive. So much of it was because I needed to learn more, and interacting with each agent provided me more info and perspective, enabling me to have better confidence in narrowing the choices. I've learned enough through the process this time around that I won't need to interview 10 next time. :-) Next time I'll call an office, get a list of the top 10 agents, browse through their listings, and pick 3 or 4 to interview in more depth. The interviews will still be just as thorough, though.

My advice is to make sure you don't just focus on pricing and marketing plans. They are important, but find the agent you are most comfortable with to help you go through the entire process.

When we were interviewing agents a few months ago, it came down to two we really liked. One had been in real estate 25 years. He was a steady seller, but not a superstar. I really liked that he noticed some minor repairs we needed to make that others missed. The other agent was a superstar - one of the top agents in sales in the area and she really focused on our area, but we came to find out she had only been in real estate 5 years. She was obviously a go-getter, and the other agent was a quieter, nice guy. I asked both a lot of questions about upgrades we were considering, and I found I trusted the answers of the nice guy more than the go-getter. We decided to go with him, but before we told him or signed a contract, the go-getter found a buyer for our house. She gave us a discounted commission rate since she wouldn't have advertising costs, so we ended up signing with her. The buyers turned out to be very difficult, their agent wasn't involved much because she was planning her wedding, and I spent the entire time wishing I had the other agent with years of experience. Our agent was great, hard-working, and dedicated to closing the deal (which did close), but I missed having the advice of the more experienced agent.

I hope our experience can help you. Good luck with your search!

Thanks mpagmom,

I think that would make me suspicious if one comes back immediately saying they have a buyer. I would wonder if they were just saying that to get the listing.

When I initially reached out to four agents, and I clearly told them that we could not have the house ready for market until August. That there were many projects we were wrapping up such as new carpet install, closet door install, front landscaping etc. I asked if August would be too late in the season, and should we wait until next year.

Agent #1 is an excellent agent/broker that I trust. I knew he probably would not take the listing because it's not in his geographic area. He replied that August is not too late. Yes there are more buyers in the spring, but there are also a lot more listing so it balances out.

I then emailed the 3 agents that I liked the stats for and asked them the same question.

Agent #2 replied very quickly, stating that August is still a good month, and that we should list this year because the recent bump in interest rates has encouraged buyers to start looking again. He included a very large PDF file promoting their team and outlining their marketing plan. Asked where the home is and to let him know when we can meet.

Agent 3 replied that yes August was still a good month to list. She let me know she was going on vacation, and would contact me when she gets back. Asked for some information about the house so she could start her research.

Agent 4;replied that no we should list now, because the interest rates are rising and will hamper first buyers, they fuel the market. This turned me off a little, but I will still meet with him.

You should put a home on the market when it makes sense to you.
Even though you did not like #4's answer, it is true.

I wasn't very clear. There was a real buyer - we signed the listing agreement the same day we signed the contract.

Have you discussed how long the listing period would be? If you sign with someone for 90 days you can pull the house off the market until spring if you don't find a buyer by November.

I have not interviewed them yet. I am interviewing them all on 8/6.

Not sure how I did that. I gave them all the option for any day that week, and they all said "Tuesday" :)

I would give some thought to how successfully the agents market themselves - to you and to the rest of the world in general and to potential buyers. Some times they can seem a little confused between promoting themselves and promoting your listing.

In my area there is an agent whose claim to fame is that he is a specialist in "expired listings". He actually highlights this in his tag line which is in all the advertising he does. Including on every house of his on the MLS and on lawn signs and print ads for specific houses.

Every time I see this on one of his signs it cracks me up. I simply can't believe he's that clueless. I would never choose him as my sellers' agent because of what his tagline for his own services implies about his listings: these properties are so poorly priced, or have such out-of-whack value for the price or the owners are so unrealistic about the prices that none of them sold the first time around. In other words, the properties are shop-worn merchandise, up to this point rejected by ready buyers.

I have no problem with him marketing himself to potential listing customers as an expired listing wizard. But to include that little tidbit in the advertising material intended to attract buyers to see his clients' properties is just plain nuts!

L.

I doubt if he brands himself in the MLS. I believe all MLS's have very strict rules on advertising or branding oneself in the public remarks. We can not even have a sign in the yard during our picture taking.

I did my interviews yesterday, and am having trouble making up my mind. I asked them pretty much all my questions but here are the important ones;

1. What is your preferred contact method with your sellers? Phone, Email?
2. Where do they advertise besides MLS? Facebook? Craigslist?
4. Do agents do Broker's Open Houses or Caravans? If so would we be included. - All three said No, nobody shows up.
5. Will you hold an Open House?
7. Professional photographer or what type of camera? How many pictures would you post?
8. I will set up a website ------------.com; Ok with them? QR Code on the sign and/or flyer.
10. How did they come up with a price?
12. Is there anything you think MUST be done prior to listing?
13. House is old, and we assume the home inspector will pick it apart. What are you feelings about home inspection negotiations?
15. Should we offer a Home Warranty? How does that work? Done at settlement or prior?

Agent #1. Nice guy. Experienced w/Rehabs Saw the house before we bought it, and was very impressed with our work. Immediately asked about permits. I confessed no. Said he has guys that can help us do after the fact permits, no problem. Noted several punch list items (most were already on my list). I told him about fire damage we found and he said yes we should disclose. Gave me a short list of items we need to do before listing including cleaning up the construction clutter in the basement (that was on my list for this weekend).

Told me we were in a "Great Location". Double lot and vacant lot next door. Said our section was known by local agents as a secret hidden quiet neighborhood.

1. What is your preferred contact method with your sellers? Phone, Email?
Email is fine
2. Where do they advertise besides MLS? Facebook? Craigslist?
Nothing special
5. Will you hold an Open House?
No, said we would not need to. House will sell within 30 days (extremely confident)
7. Professional photographer or what type of camera? How many pictures would you post?
He takes pics, and uses a wide angle lens. About 10-12. Doesn't usually take pics of bedrooms if they are small.
8. I will set up a website ------------.com; Ok with them? QR Code on the sign and/or flyer.
Don't bother, won't need it. House will sell fast.
10. How did they come up with a price?
Knows the area well. - $129K listing (His listings usually go for 94% OL
12. Is there anything you think MUST be done prior to listing?
Clean the basement and leftover debris in the back yard, install a deadbolt, touch up some of the stonework (on my list), rearrange deck (hose to gas grill could be a tripping hazard), tidy up new duct work in the basement. Noted an inspector will probably want a additional porch railing, but recommended we wait and see.
13. House is old, and we assume the home inspector will pick it apart. What are you feelings about home inspection negotiations?
Do safety items only.
15. Should we offer a Home Warranty? How does that work? Done at settlement or prior?
He said offer in the MLS, and it will help.

Agent #2 - Nice lady. Loved the house. Kept saying "Cute as a button". But when we sat down to start talking about the house etc. Started out saying it will be hard to sell because we are in "bad neighborhood". But came up with the exact same price $129K, but said she will want to do a little more research now that she has seen it. I brought up the permit issue. She said it could be a problem. I asked if anything could be done and she said "no". She recommend we file a disclaimer instead of a disclosure and don't say anything about the permits. I asked about disclosing fire damage and she said "no" don't say anything.

1. What is your preferred contact method with your sellers? Phone, Email?
Email
2. Where do they advertise besides MLS? Facebook? Craigslist?
Nothing special
5. Will you hold an Open House?
Yes, she would like to do one on a Sunday
7. Professional photographer or what type of camera? How many pictures would you post?
She takes pics. About 8-10.
8. I will set up a website ------------.com; Ok with them? QR Code on the sign and/or flyer.
I didn't ask.
10. How did they come up with a price?
We reviewed comps at the table. - $129K listing
12. Is there anything you think MUST be done prior to listing?
Not really, just clean the basement up.
13. House is old, and we assume the home inspector will pick it apart. What are you feelings about home inspection negotiations?
We just have to wait and see what happens.
15. Should we offer a Home Warranty? How does that work? Done at settlement or prior?
I didn't ask. Truthfully, I had lost interest after the "bad neighborhood" comment, and recommending we don't disclose the fire damage.

Agent #3 - Top Performer. Owns the ReMax brokerage. Had a large team under him. Techie. Owns numerous rental properties in the area. Said we were in a good (but not great) location, great lot and view. House has great curb appeal. Inquire about permits. Said we can either "Wait and see" or he has some guys that could help up get the permits done now. Said most people don't care, but he knows of 2 agents in the area that will report unpermitted work to the city if they show the house. Was impressed with my knowledge and due diligence.

1. What is your preferred contact method with your sellers? Phone, Email?
Definitely Email
2. Where do they advertise besides MLS? Facebook? Craigslist?
He is a Dave Ramsey ELP. He does 30 pictures, and virtual tours. Facebook etc.
5. Will you hold an Open House?
After 3 weeks if no offers.
7. Professional photographer or what type of camera? How many pictures would you post?
He is a photo geek. Just bought a new $1000 camera, and has all the lens etc. (I have seen his pics on his listings, they are good)
8. I will set up a website --------.com; Ok with them? QR Code on the sign and/or flyer.
Loved this, said he usually does them and encouraged me to share on my Facebook etc.
10. How did they come up with a price?
Sat down with me going through the comps. Uses sq ft to determine a range. Thinks it will sell for $112-114. Suggested a $119K listing price. Confident he would have it sold within 90 days. Said he would list at $124.5K if we want, but going over that would be a mistake.
12. Is there anything you think MUST be done prior to listing?
Mainly clean the basement and yard. Other small items can be done later but all the construction debris in basement could scare off a buy. Expects we could have a showing within a day of listing.
13. House is old, and we assume the home inspector will pick it apart. What are you feelings about home inspection negotiations?
Hates it. Never used to happen here. Says it just pisses off the seller. Safety items yes, but if they are nitpicking or unreasonable no, it's his job to go back to the other agent and work it out.
15. Should we offer a Home Warranty? How does that work? Done at settlement or prior?
Save it for the negotiation period especially it's a buyer using the inspection report to try to lower the price.

Added that he is aggressive in getting feedback. Sends an email to buyer's agent after showing requesting feedback. If nothing, sends a reminder after 24 hours. If nothing wife (an agent) makes a phone call to buyer's agent. Feedback system is online, and I can get the responses automatically by email ( I think my eyes lit up when he said that).

Showing service is also online and he can give me a login so I can go in and make adjustments as needed. (I know my eyes lit up when he said that).

I am leaning toward number 3. I obviously like #1's price better but I know that should not be a factor in my decision.

Sorry, duplicate post.

This post was edited by barbcollins on Wed, Aug 7, 13 at 12:39

I'd pick #3. His answers are more in line with my way of thinking than #1, and he's thinking beyond the MLS. #1 sounds like he was sales-pitching a bit. Agents often try to lure you in by expressing confidence that they can sell your house faster and for more money than the next agent.

And everyone's listings sell for 94% of list, because that's based on the final list price. So something that starts off overpriced doesn't typically get offers until the list price gets down in reasonable territory.

On price, what do you think is the right price? Had you looked at comps before talking with the agents and come up with something you thought was accurate? How good were there explanations of how they came up with a price? "I know the neighborhood well" doesn't cut it in my book. Not every house in the neighborhood is going to be worth the same amount. If it were me, I'd dig into the numbers and see whose I had more confidence in.

If the numbers you come up with are higher than #3's, then you can bat them around to mutually figure out what makes sense.

I was thinking $120K. But when the first two agents said $129K, of course a started to see dollar signs in my eyes.

Talking to myself on the way home, I remembered that a year ago, I thought I would be happy just over $100K. I said "Don't be greedy dummy".

Oh, and if it's another indication, I spent about an hour with 1 & 2 and over 2 hours with 3 - prompting a "where are the hell are you?" text from DH ;(

DH thinks #3 wants to price it low because he just wants to sell it fast, which means less work.

Yeah, it can be seductive to have someone tell you they can get you more money. That's why so many use that tactic.

Did you compare their DOM stats? Or look at the history on the last 10 houses they've sold. Do you see any patterns, like #1 tends to price high and go through lots of price reductions before selling?

I know who I'd choose. :-)

Going back to they last 10 houses sold

#1 had an average 93% OL
He had an average 114 DOM
Highest was 269 and lowest was 1 day.
5 out of 10 sold in under 90 days

#3 had an average of 90% OL
He had an average 74 DOM
Highest was 206 and lowest was 8 days..
8 out of 10 sold in under 90 days

I hate to bash them too much for the %OL. You never know, they could have had a hard headed seller that was delusional about the value of their house.

As for patterns, no there were not any. Though #1 tended to have reductions more often than #3.

I had a really weird moment today. I went into town to go to the bank, grocery store etc, and decided since I had some free time, I would stop and Restore and look around. I had wandered around for about 5 minutes when it all of a sudden struck me.....

OMG I don't need anything :)

I liked #3 better, especially for his answer to #13. The only thing I liked about #1 was that he seemed to have more specific suggestions for what needed to be done, but I could be interpreting that wrong. I had the same questions as weedy about DOM stats and who you thought was more accurate on price. I also like #3's specific open house date. Sometimes an upcoming open house creates a sense of urgency for buyers who are considering the house. If you feel comfortable with #3 (and it seems you do from the 2-hour conversation), I would choose him and start cleaning the basement!

Yes, I picked #3.

#1 did impress me with his renovation expertise, and his knowledge of how to deal with the city. He noticed and mentioned small technical items other's did not.

But I reminded myself that I am hiring someone with the most expertise in SELLING houses. I am sure #1 is a qualified agent, and would do a good job. I just felt like I connected better with #3.

I called him yesterday and we had a short chat. I let him know what I found out when I called the city and asked him for references for electricians and plumbers to help pull the permits.

We talked a little more and scheduled a Sunday morning visit so he could meet DH. Before I hung up I asked could he get me those references before Sunday. He said "I just emailed them to you a minute ago"..

I knew then I made the right choice.

Please report back after it sells and let us know how it went!

We have now interviewed 4 RE agents but are not confident of any of them handling our property. All 4 came with completely different comps. Lowest price they recommended was $600k, highest was $729k - too big of a range.

the first lady was just "dippy ". "I would fill every room with fresh flowers!!!" she trilled. Jeeze. We're not trying to sell a funeral home.

Second did not know the area at all and came in with meaningless comps.

Third was a guy who talked very fast, nonstop for 3 hours. Left us exhausted and he wanted to hire a stager and handyman, but could not say one thing they needed to do.

Last lady was sensible and business-like, but wanted to list the property too low, which she felt would induce a bidding war, with people bidding over the price. Uh...no.

So we're still looking and if we have to interview 10 or 100, we will not list until we feel that we are in good hands.

OP wrote:
" I just felt like I connected better with #3."
You will probably be ok then, with this agent.

But, if he hates it so bad when buyers use inspection findings to negotiate repairs and / or price reductions, then why not advise the owner to have the home inspected before listing it? Then you effectively remove any leverage the buyers gain with a large repair list.

nc - We talked about that and he did not feel it was necessary. Local agents don't do it. The ones he sees doing it are "coming up" from the DC/Metro area. These buyers won't be looking at our house. They will be in a higher price bracket.

And I am not talking about safety items for things that should be done. I am talking about those horror stories we hear like people wanting a new furnace when the current one is in good working order. Or wanting the siding replaced because they don't like the color.

(I actually asked ALL the agents about pre-inspections, and they all said no)

I will also note that it has been almost a week since I met with them, and neither Agent 1 or 2 followed up.
Is this normal? I expected to get a "Thank you" or "Nice Meeting you" email the next day. That's what I do when I interview for a job.

I am assuming I should send a polite email thanking them for meeting me and letting them know I chose someone else.

Agent #3 is coming to take pics tomorrow, and we should be on the MLS by Wednesday. Then the real fun begins :)

scarlett2001 - If I had the time and didn't like any of the agents (like yours), I would continue on.

Have you tried looking at the solds in your area? That's part of what I did. I looked at houses that were similar to ours to see who their agents were. Then looked to see if they sold for a reasonable price, and if it took a lot of drops to get there.

barb: I got thank you notes from 3 of the 10 agents I interviewed. I sent all 9 non-winners a brief email saying "thanks for your time, I've selected another agent to list with."

scarlett: definitely keep looking. One of my past mistakes was to pick one of the initial ones I interviewed rather than really holding out for someone I was impressed with. This is a big transaction, so take the extra time to get it right.

I am really loving the automated showings system. I have set it up so I get a text message for any showings requests. All I have to do is reply "Yes", and it is approved, or "No". Not sure what happens yet if I say no. I can also log in and block off a day or time, or change the amount of time needed for notification.

I also get to see the buyer's feedback online and it's very quick (I am guessing the agents are doing it from their smart phones).

First showing cancelled before coming.

Second showing said, they loved the house but didn't like the location.

Third showing came today. Showed up 1/2 early as we were sweeping up and heading out. We told them it was no problem, and let them come in. Then we left. I got very nice feedback within 1/2 hour after they left; Thanking us for being so accommodating and saying it is their buyer's top choice.

Woo Hoo! That's the kind of feedback I like!

Update; We have been on the market for just over 3 weeks. We have had 10 showings. Lots of good feedback, but no offers yet (not complaining, just stating the facts)..

All feedbacks report "Shows well". Several feedback reports said the buyers loved the house,

Only one commented on price being a "little" high. A few said they were trying to make a decision between ours and others.

As promised Realtor is doing an Open House next weekend (maybe it will get some of those people off the fence).

Thanks for the update - sounds like it's going well. Hope you get an offer soon! Where did you end up pricing it?

We listed it at $124.9K.

Somebody viewed it Saturday evening, but said they loved the house, but did not like the location. That always puzzles me. Don't buyers look at maps before going to look at a house?.

Somebody viewed it Sunday, and I got an email yesterday saying they are interested, and would like the list of the utilities cost.

This post was edited by barbcollins on Tue, Sep 10, 13 at 16:24

Woo Hoo!

We are officially Under Contract!

I don't want to put any details on here yet, but it was a great offer.

Just wanted to come back and let everybody know we successfully closed on the house. Settlement went very smoothly,and the young couple buying the house were so happy and excited.

Now the fun begins.... I get to start shopping again.

Congrats. Sounds to me that you priced it at a point that maximized your return. You can tell this from your feedback.

Congratulations! Love a happy ending.

getting ready to list our house; will look through this post to see what I need to add to my Agent Interview Questions for sellers

Here is a link that might be useful: Agent Interview Questions for sellers